Location: Golden
Top Things to do in Golden
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Things to do in Golden, Colorado (CO): The Best Nature & Parks
Golden is the Home Rule Municipality that is the county seat of Jefferson County, Colorado, United States. Golden lies along Clear Creek at the base of the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains. Founded during the Pike's Peak Gold Rush on June 16, 1859, the mining camp was originally named Golden City in honor of Thomas L. Golden. Golden City served as the capital of the provisional Territory of Jefferson from 1860 to 1861, and capital of the official Territory of Colorado from 1862 to 1867. In 1867, the territorial capital was moved about 12 miles (19 km) east to Denver City. The United States Census Bureau estimates that the city population was 18,867 in 2010.
Restaurants in Golden
1. Jeffco Open Space Parks
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 11 reviews
Jeffco Open Space has 28 parks without entry fees, nearly 230 miles of trails, a legacy of conservation and land preservation.
2. Windy Saddle Park
3. Golden Gate Canyon State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 289 reviews
This area is particularly good for snowshoers.
Reviewed By MrsButterfield - Denver, United States
If you're going to go here, go very early in the morning, especially on the weekend! It costs $9 for a day pass that you need to pick up upon entry into the park. They have plenty of hikes for all ski levels as well as ponds to go fishing. Make sure you bring a water bottle for hot days and always bring a rain jacket.
4. Lookout Mountain
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 874 reviews
Scenic mountain near Denver and home of the Buffalo Bill Cody gravesite and museum.
Reviewed By Peter_A_Morrell - Unionville, Canada
What a great idea to take a drive up the mountain to Lookout Mountain Park. During a trip to Golden, Colorado earlier this year I had a rare afternoon off and decided to check it out. Besides the amazing views, you'll find Buffalo Bills' Grave and Museum, the Pashaka Gift Shop, trails and yes the views. The 'Lookout' itself has a large area where you can see Denver and Golden and on a clear day, you can see miles and miles out to the surrounding areas and mountains. Be careful driving up the mountain and as I saw a couple of wrecks and abandoned cars along the way. The morning was overcast so many parts of the mountain round were still covered in ice, from the sides of the mountain that didn't get any sun in the morning. It was winter and the weather can change at any time like any other snow-covered mountain. Take your time driving the road. There is a couple of pull-offs on the road up to Lookout Mountain if you have to stop. As you get closer to the parking area, there are signs to clearly identify where you are and where to park. The same parking lot for the 'Lookout' is the same parking lot for Buffalo Bill's Grave, the Museum, the gift shop and the Lookout area. In the winter most of the trails are covered in snow and not accessible, I did see a few people coming from the trails. You will also see several TV and radio towers nearby. Luckily it was a clear day, and sunny when I arrived. I checked out all the sites and walked the perimeter of the lookout and spent a good amount of time there looking at the surrounding area. It is serene and picturesque so bring a good camera, if you have one. With everything to do up there even on a wintery day, you could spend a few hours up there. The Lookout Mountain is a great way to spend an afternoon. If you're ever in Golden put this on your list of things to do, you will not be disappointed.
5. Centennial Cone Park
6. Apex Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 19 reviews
Reviewed By Carol12902 - Golden, United States
On the day I was there a young teacher was instructing second and third graders on proper trail etiquette. The students were excited but listening intently. This is a great park for hiking by oneself or with a group!
7. White Ranch Park
8. Matthews/Winters Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 37 reviews
Reviewed By 881robine - Denver, United States
We did this hike 3-4 times this winter. It is quiet and fun at the top. You can do up and down or we finally found how to do a 3-4 mile loop. Just be careful to go back to the parking lot you came from.
9. Mount Galbraith Park
10. North Table Mountain Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 46 reviews
Reviewed By KirkB92 - Golden, United States
North Table Mountain Park is a gem in Golden's backyard. Great trails for hiking and biking. Areas for rock climbing as well. On a recent hike with my dog after a recent snow, we passed cross country skiers too.
